Model shipways Rattlesnake 1:64Bulkheads in this kit are not the greatest, very weak material, poorly cut. I had several bulkheads snap during fitting. It took allot of sanding & filing to get a proper fit on the keel. Fairing was made difficult with all 13 bulkheads needing a good amount of shaping to get proper alignment. Allot of work to get to this point, however one of the great things about wood is errors by both manufacturer and builder can be worked out. All in All I don’t think it looks too bad. The counter block was carved out of bulk stock

I have added waterways on the entire gun deck to find some stability. Completed the bow and stern filler blocks. This kit did not come with a false deck, so I added 1/6 sheet. Gun deck planking is half way thru the first stages. It should be noted, the instruction manual is rubbish, very poor sequencing of building steps, so I have tossed it near the bin and will be working of the plans, I was told I’m not the first to toss this kits manual. I few negatives here, but the rattlesnake looks a good build, plus if it was all easy it would not be much of a hobby.

Apologies for my long absence from this build , medical issues (hands)1st hull planking, rough finish used kit wood2nd hull planking mahogany , struggled a bit here with the hull lines mainly the bow area, (very different hull lines from my 1st bluenose build) tries to keep the shape , but a smooth fitting planking flow proved very difficult, worked out most but not all with light sanding . Defiantly need more experience in planking this type of ship.2nd hull planking above the Whale, maple did a little better here with my lines , not perfect I know, but all us new guys work within their skill level , as long as the work is enjoyable it’s all good I say

Just a few pics taken by my son-in-law the photo guy, not much on detail, but he has a fancy camera. Mainly to show i have made some progress More detailed photos will follow. Again still at the very much a work in progress stage, I have taken a shot at replacing all the precast pieces with scratch build ones, the next stage is the fore deck area and rail heads. Then I will build and place the long boat before adding the portable gangways and railings. 42rocker its a good build wiht plenty of options if your looking to move away from the norm and go down your own path, as you can see I don't like paint hiding the wood so things kind of that there own tone.

Longboat, doubled hull planking, using walnut and maple added coverings to the bow and stern and reshaped the rudder. tried to keep the hull consistent with overall style of the ship First attempt a carving the cheeks and lower rails, this version of the Rattlesnake does not have precast rails or carvings to follow and the instructions are very lacking , so all trial and error work ahead